2026 Summer #4

Message from Mrs Dhaliwal

Dear Parent/Carer

What a busy and memorable week we have had in school!

This week, we welcomed Ofsted into school. Whilst we are unable to share the outcome at this stage, we were pleased with the process and look forward to receiving the final report after the May half term, which we will, of course, share with parents as soon as possible.

On Wednesday, we were incredibly fortunate to welcome author Michael McCarthy into school. During his visit, Michael shared his inspirational story with the children, reminding them that no matter what barriers or challenges they may face, achievement is always possible. This is such an important message for our children and one that we hope will continue to support and inspire them throughout their education and beyond.

It was also lovely for our KS2 children to meet author, Catherine Barr this afternoon. Catherine delivered an engaging presentation linked to her book Cities Going Wild to Save the Planet, sharing stories about her walk from Cornwall to Scotland, her nature books and the scientists she has worked alongside. The children also enjoyed taking part in a draw-along activity and asking thoughtful questions during the Q&A session.

Having two author visits in one week has been a wonderful opportunity for the children and has further encouraged their aspirations for the future in writing and creativity. The week has reinforced that there is no limit to what can be achieved with determination, resilience and belief in themselves.

We would also like to thank Catherine for staying after school to sell and sign copies of her books for families which was greatly appreciated by the children and parents who attended.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and collaboration with the school community. We hope you all have a wonderful and restful weekend.

Best wishes
Mrs M Dhaliwal

Year 6 SATs – Starting Monday 11 May 2026

Next week is SATs week for our Year 6 pupils, running from Monday through Thursday. Each morning, the children will sit their Key Stage 2 tests (covering English and Maths). The tests will start on time each day from Monday to Thursday, so punctuality is important.

How You Can Support Your Child:

• Early to Bed: Ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep before each test day so they feel rested and alert.
• A Hearty Breakfast: A message has gone out to parents about an earlier school start so children can enjoy breakfast in school with their peers before tests begin. If your child would prefer to have breakfast at home, that is fine too.
• Arrive on Time: Make sure your child arrives at school no later than 8.40am.  Tests will begin at 9.00am. A calm, unhurried morning helps them start the day in a positive frame of mind.

Most importantly, please reassure your child that SATs are just one part of their learning journey. The children have been working hard in class, and we are already so proud of them. These tests are not something to worry about – they simply help show what children have learned in primary school. Encourage your child to do their best but remind them that there is no pressure. Every child is different, and SATs results won’t capture all the wonderful qualities that make them who they are.

Thank you for your support and understanding. With a good night’s sleep, a hearty breakfast, and plenty of encouragement, our Year 6 pupils will be ready to shine! Let’s make sure they feel confident and calm throughout the week. Good luck to all our Year 6s – we believe in you!

Wraparound News

This week the children in Wraparound have been celebrating David Attenborough’s 100^th birthday.  They have chatted about their favourite animals, designed a butterfly, decorated a tree as a promise to look after nature and learnt some great animal facts.  A great white shark will often have up to 300 teeth, leopards spots are called rosettes and, the children’s favourite, turtles belong to one of the oldest reptile groups in the world and date back to the time of dinosaurs!

They also enjoyed practising Nature and Wildlife yoga positions.  It was lovely to see the children having fun and helping each other with their moves.

Friends News

Thank you to all the children who dressed down today and donated chocolate towards our bingo night and summer fair prizes. We have been blown away by your support.

Don’t forget to book your tickets for our Family Bingo Night next Friday, 15th May!

This is a fun event for the whole family — not just the adults. We’ll even have a toy corner for little ones who cannot read numbers just yet, so everyone in the family can come along, no babysitters needed.

Soft drinks and hot dogs will also be available to buy on the night.

Tickets are £5 per bingo player and include:

* Six rounds of bingo
* The all-important bingo dabber

We look forward to seeing you there!

Friends of Coalbrookdale – Bingo Night tickets

Online Safety Video

This month’s theme is Navigating Group Chats.

The video link below provides a quick overview on group chats, potential risks, dealing with peer pressure and using the blocking and reporting tools.

 Navigating Group Chats

Online Safety – Parent/Carer information session

If you were unable to join Wednesday’s Online Safety Parent/Carer information session please find below the link to the recording and presentation:

Online Safety Parent Carer Session – May 2026

Parish News – St Luke’s Family Worship Service this Sunday

A very warm welcome to all to come along to our family worship service, this Sunday 10th May. The service starts at 11am and finishes with refreshments at noon.

Readings are as follows:

1st Reading – Acts 17: verses 22-31
2nd Reading – John 14: verses 15-21

In the reading from John, we are reminded of the promise made by Jesus to his disciples: “I will not leave you bereft, I am coming back to you. In a little while the works will see me no longer, but you will see me; because I live, you too will live; then you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me and I in you”.

We will take this promise and comfort into our colouring and craft activities for children. This will be at the red tables to the side of the church, where we also have toys and books for younger children.

The full list of songs is as follows:

1. All heaven declares: hymn 17
2. As the deer pants for the water: hymn 45
3. Action Song
4. And can it be that I should gain: hymn 32
5. You shall go out with joy: hymn 766

We hope you may join us.

Moments Matter – Attendance Counts

Highest class attendance for week ending 1 May:  Year 2

Most improved class attendance from the previous week:  Year 6